Woolworking

Woolworking is the craft and industry of transforming wool fibers from sheep and other animals into yarn, fabric, and finished textiles. It encompasses the full range of activities from fiber preparation and yarn production to fabric construction and post-processing, and it can be practiced as a traditional hand skill or as part of modern industrial textile production.

Fleece serves as the primary material. Wool fibers vary in diameter, length, crimp, and elasticity, influencing how they are processed and used. Common wool types include merino, Corriedale, Shetland, and Romney, each with distinct fiber characteristics. Other animal fibers such as angora and cashmere are sometimes included in broader wool-related activities, but they are distinct fiber families with their own processing requirements.

Core processes in woolworking include fleece cleaning and sorting, known as scouring and grading, followed by alignment of fibers through carding. For some applications, combing yields a smoother, longer-fiber preparation suitable for worsted yarns. Spinning then turns prepared fibers into yarn, using a spindle or spinning wheel, with plying to build strength and consistency. The yarn is subsequently used in fabric construction via weaving on looms or knitting with needles or hooks. Felting—wet felting or needle felting—offers an alternative route to create dense fabrics or sculptural pieces from wool fibers. Finishing steps such as fulling, washing, dyeing, and setting help define the final texture, appearance, and performance of the wool product.

In modern contexts, woolworking spans hobbyist crafts, artisanal production, and industrial textile manufacture. Practices emphasize fiber knowledge, quality control, and, increasingly, sustainable sourcing and processing.